The Button Basics

In this tutorial i will cover the basics of the buttons and how to use them (with examples given as needed).

Ok...You might think theres too many buttons to learn all at once, but I'm going to take you through them step by step so dont be scared.

Rectangular selection tool

Ok this tool is primarily used to slect something in a rectangular or square shape.

To use it all you have to do is click on the icon (pictured next to the heading) then click and hold (that is click yor left mouse button and dont lift your finger off until you are happy with the size of your box) inside your image and stretch it to whatever size you need. Once you have the required size just release the mouse button and anything inside the box will be selected.

Circular selection tool

The circular selection tool works on the same principle as the rectangular tool only it is used for circles or oval shapes.

Freehand selection tool

The freehand selection tool is for selecting things by hand (eg odd shapes). It is used the same as the other two above (ie click and hold method) only it is a freehand way of outlining something. Once again anything inside the selection will be selected.

Magic Wand tool

ok...the magic wand is a little different to the previous selection tools as its not primarily used to select shapes as such. It is more used to select contiguous regions (see image below) It is done simply by clicking what part you want selected.

Select By Colour tool

This is used to select a specific colour in the picture (eg if i wanted to select the red on mickeys clothes (above) i would use this tool) Basically just click the colour you want to select.

Scissor selection tool

This is similar to the freehand tool only it selects as a series of points (see below). To use this you just click the place where you would like the points to be.(N.B. The lines wont always be straight...they can curve depending on the shape of the image)

Paths tool

This tool is used to crate paths (see below) once a path is created it can be edited and moved as well as stroked (we will go into this later). To use it just click where you want your points to be (N.B. They will always be in a straight line.)

Dropper tool

The dropper tool is used to select a colour out of an image. (see image one and two. The red was picked out from mickeys shorts) All you do is click on the colour.

Before

After

Magnifying tool

This is used to zoom in or out of an image to allow you to see better. All you do is click in the image screen to zoom in, and click while holding the ctrl to zoom out.

Distances tool

This is used to measure the distance and angles between two points (see below). To use, hold and click the mouse from one point to the next, and let go when your satisfied with the length.

Move tool

This is used to move things (eg layers, text, selections etc). Just click and hold while moving to the new desired position.

Crop/resize tool

This is used to crop or resize an image. Just select the part you want to crop (same as using the recangle selection tool (ie hold a nd drag)).

Rotate tool

This is used to rotate an image (see below). Just click and hold while you rotate.

Before (notice the red underneath)

After (no red now)

Scale tool

This is used to scale layers (see images below). Just click and hold.

Before

After

Shear tool

This is used to shear your image (see below). Just click and hold with this tool also.

Before (notice the red)

After (no red now)

Perspective tool

This is used to change the perspective of your image (see below). Once again just click and drag. (can be done on any side)

Before

After

Flip tool

This is used to flip an image or layer (like a mirror effect). You can flip vertically and horizontally by toggling the seetings from one to another (see image below). Simply click on the image and it flips for you.

Text tool

This is used for inserting text. Just click in the screen where you want to put the text and type your text in the little box that opens (see below).

Fill tool

This is used to fill selections in your image or the whole image itself. You can fill in the foreground colour, background colour, and patterns by toggleing the settings. To fill a selection, simply select the area, then select either foreground, background, or pattern, and click inside the selection. To fill the whole page just select the whole page instead of just a selection. (make sure you have the layer you wan to fill selected if you are using layers)

Gradient tool

This is used to fill in areas or whole images with a gradient. To fill a selection just select the area then click and drag in the direction you want (see below). For a whole image just click and drag in the direction you want.

Pencil tool

This is used to draw freehand with, but can also be used to make touch ups. You can change the size and colour to suit what you need. To use just click where you want to colour.

Paintbrush tool

This is used in the same way as the pencil only the colour is not as solid. It is good in conjunction with the smudge tool for merging/blending colours into one another.

Eraser tool

This is used to erase things. If used while something is selected it will only erase what is insde the selection. To use simply hold and drag over what you want to erase.

Airbrush tool

The airbrush tool is used like the paintbrush and pencil tools. It creates an effect like an airbrush (more faded than either of the other two). Simply click and drag.

Ink tool

This is the same as the other drawing tools just with a more inky look. Once again just click and drag.

Pattern/Clone tool

This is used by holding ctrl while clicking to select the area you want to clone if you want to clone the background. For using the pattern its just the same as the rest (click and drag) only instead of a solid colour it will draw with whatever pattern you have selected.

Blur/Sharpen tool

This is used to blur or sharpen parts of your image (can be toggled). Simply click and drag where you want to blur/sharpen on your image.

Smudge tool

This is used to create smudges in your images. Simply click and drag where you want to smudge.

Dodge/Burn tool

This is used to dodge (lighten) or burn (darken) your image. It is used the same way as the smudge tool (ie click and drag)

Well thats this tutorial finnished. If you found this helpful then please check out the next tutorial, “working with layers”.